India is known for its colorful and festive celebrations. These celebrations are often loud, full of life, intense, and sometimes chaotic. Indian holidays and festivals are not just celebrated in India alone or in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, with over 354 thousand Indian-Singaporean citizens. Indian festivals and holidays are commemorated worldwide, specifically in the USA. In the latest survey, approximately 4.4 million Indian immigrants reside in the USA.
India’s famous writer, Siddharth Katragadda, said, “The greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals.” Indian festivals are always related to different religions, beliefs, faith, and other factors. Their festivals are some of the biggest celebrations in Asia. The most popular and is considered one of India’s most important celebrations is Diwali. Allow us to walk you through the coolest ways to celebrate Diwali 2024 in the US!
What is Diwali?
Diwali is considered to be the most important celebration of the year by Indians. It is a time for the celebration of conquering evil with goodness and light over darkness. Diwali is a festival of lights and is observed for five days. Each day of Diwali has its corresponding significance that Indian communities follow and observe.
"... a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness."
On the first day of Diwali, also called Dhanteras, Indian people pray to their Goddess, Lakshmi, who transforms dreams into reality, and is a Goddess of good fortune. On the same day, people cook traditional Indian desserts, go shopping, and clean their homes in preparation for the next day of Diwali.
On the second day, Chhoti Diwali, they decorate their houses with lamps or Diyas in India, which symbolizes goodness; lighting the Diyas means people get rid of impurities. Indians also decorate their homes with Rangolis, an art form whose patterns are designed mostly on the floor.
The third day of Diwali, or Lakshmi Puja is the most important; people honor their Goddess Lakshmi in their temples. For some, it is a day to feast with friends and family. Others would light fireworks and lanterns or lamps they had prepared on the second day.
The next day, the fourth day of Diwali, Govardhan Puja, is considered the “New Year.” People also consider exchanging gifts and warm greetings like on Christmas.
The last day of Diwali, or Bhai Doojm, is when siblings honor each other by holding a Tilak ceremony. Between October to November, thousands of Hindus or American-Hindus celebrate Diwali during the fall season.
In New York, Diwali celebrants offer their prayers and offerings during the Hawan ceremony. And one of the biggest celebrations of Diwali that is carried out outside of India is in New York Times Square. The Diwali celebration features an amazing lineup of performances such as Bollywood concerts, singing and dance performances, fireworks, and a number of food stalls that sell Indian goods.
Fun Diwali 2024 Virtual Activities
Kits by Food Craft offers virtual classes to your friends, family, and work colleagues in observance of the Diwali festivities. We aim to educate and spread awareness through our workshops such as:
Chai Making: Master the art of brewing the perfect cup of chai, a beloved Indian beverage. Learn about the cultural significance of chai and its various regional variations.
Henna & Culture: Discover the intricate art of henna, a traditional body art form with deep cultural roots. Create beautiful henna designs and learn about their symbolism.
Diya Painting: Unleash your creativity with Diya painting, a popular Diwali tradition. Learn techniques for decorating Diyas with vibrant colors, patterns, and designs.
Our experienced instructor, Monty, will guide you through our workshops, sharing valuable insights into Indian culture and traditions. With Monty's expertise, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and significance of Diwali.
Join our virtual workshops and experience the magic of Diwali from the comfort of your own home. Connect with like-minded individuals, learn new skills, and create lasting memories
Illuminate Your Event with the Glow of Diwali!
As an AAPI woman-owned small business, Kits by Food Craft is passionate about fostering connection and cultural understanding through shared experiences. Let us help you create an unforgettable Diwali celebration that truly shines.
Whether you're planning a corporate event, a family gathering, or a community celebration, our expertly curated kits offer a unique way to immerse your guests in the magic of Diwali. From delicious Indian cuisine to captivating crafts, we've got everything you need to create a memorable experience.
Ready to spread joy and light this Diwali?
Book your event with Kits by Food Craft today and let us handle the details.
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Let's celebrate the Festival of Lights together!
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